JANUARY 23, 2022 Vol. 3, Issue 3 - Photo from Delaware Children's Museum (Facebook) - Delaware live
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Delaware Live
@DelawareLive
JANUARY 23, 2022
Vol. 3, Issue 3
Photo from Delaware Children’s Museum (Facebook)
Contents
Photo by marcia reed
Headlines................................3
Culture ....................................7
Business................................11
Food & Dining.......................14
Government..........................16
Education..............................23
Health....................................26
Sports.....................................29
Stay Connected ...................33
A Perfect Storm Newark Restaurant Week Appo Upsets Middletown
HEADLINES
Photo by steve licata
Headlines
3
HEADLINES
A perfect storm for schools,
teachers: No subs, bus woes, COVID
stay out mostly because of COVID. They may have Some teachers want schools to return to virtual classes.
COVID themselves, have been exposed to COVID or Others want schools to institute asynchronous days
have symptoms and need to be tested before they can when kids would stay at home and study there to give
return. Sometimes, their own children have COVID, teachers a chance to catch their breath. Others have
have been exposed and are quarantined, or their child even mentioned closing schools for a week or two.
care provider is closed because of the spread of the virus But the state and school systems are reluctant to do
BY BETSY PRICE there. any of that, partly because parents have made it clear they
By 5:30 a.m. on school days, Jeffory Gibeault is already Substitutes are almost nonexistent and nobody is sure want kids in class and partly because school systems
up and wrestling with how to man his classrooms. why. Some point to a reluctance to come into schools, think children learn better in the classroom.
The principal of Southern Elementary School in New given that they’re known to be cauldrons of illnesses Even so, some schools have been forced to go virtual.
Castle has had to cover as many as 25 classes in one recent such as colds, flu and stomach bugs in the best of times, Gibeault had to make special needs classes virtual for a
day because teachers were out coping with COVID-19 and perhaps serious illness now with the coronavirus few days because he didn’t have the workers to keep the
in some way. Wednesday was a good day. He only had continuing to circulate. students in class. His school district, Colonial, made
to find people to cover seven classes. Schools are turning to paraprofessionals, administrators, William Penn High School virtual for a week because
Gibeault said he’s afraid he’ll jinx himself if he says tutors, student teachers and central office workers such of the shortage of teachers and substitutes.
that makes him hopeful, even coming one day after a state as instructional coaches to lead classes. “That’s a last-resort situation and the principals and
announcement that new cases seemed to have plateaued Teachers upstate and down have been vocal about staff are working really hard to try to figure out how do
and were maybe starting to drop a bit. needing help and telling stories about classes that are we put this puzzle together every day because every day
“You know, I was feeling that way around Thanksgiving,” doubled up or put in auditoriums to watch movies because it’s a little bit different dynamic,” said Pete Leida, deputy
he said. “Two weeks later, we really started to see the there’s no one available. Some are missing lunch and superintendent of the Colonial School District.
beginning of the surge…But, yeah, we’re starting to planning schedules while they’re dealing with children A.I. du Pont High School last week gave students the
recover and catch our breath a little bit. I hope we keep who are coming into schools without mandated masks, options to stay home after so many teachers and students
this direction for a while but to be a realist, I think this and sometimes coming in late because bus systems are were out because of COVID.
is just the lull in the many storms that are probably to dealing with the same issues. Senior Eileena Mathews, the student member of the
come.” They’ve also said that schools are not being cleaned as Red Clay School Board, told the board Wednesday night
Finding someone to handle classes during the winter they were because of COVID hitting custodial crews, that neither she nor her fellow students wanted to go
surge of COVID-19 has proven to be a challenge for too, causing them to feel unsafe. back to virtual classes like last year.
schools up and down the state. Teachers are having to click here to read more
4
HEADLINES
WE’RE HERE
because your child’s
Cannabis edibles to debut health matters.
in Delaware in weeks
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
BAYHEALTH PEDIATRICS, MILFORD
We’re parents too and we know your child’s
A Delaware-based medical marijuana company that cannabis products including Betty’s Eddies™ fruit-
health is a priority! Whether you have a
has opened a state-of-the-art cannabis edible kitchen in chews, Bubby’s Baked™ cookie bites and “Vibations”
newborn, toddler, or teen, we’re driven to
Wilmington expects to bring a new line of THC-infused cannabis-infused drink mix. give them the care they need. As moms we’re
consumables to market in the coming weeks. Haley Schell, First State’s regional director of retail experts in TLC, as pediatricians, we’re experts
First State Compassion was Delaware’s first licensed and marketing, said the company became interested in in your child’s health and wellbeing.
medical marijuana distribution center and operates the manufacturing edible products because many medical
state’s largest cannabis growing facility. The company marijuana patients get better relief by ingesting cannabis. CLICK HERE to learn more.
has a 47,000-square-foot facility in Wilmington with 19 Some are turned off by smoking or need to take their
marijuana cultivation rooms, an extraction lab and a medication when smoking isn’t practical, so ingestibles
dispensary. The facility opened in June 2015 and a offer a different consumption method, she said.
second dispensary in Lewes opened in 2017. PEDIATRICS
With its newest facility—the highly secure edible click here to read more 1-866-BAY-DOCS
kitchen—First State will begin offering consumable
5
HEADLINES
Black leaders, activists
split on Darius Brown
ethics inquiry
“As elected representatives of the people we serve, I believe we owe it to Delawareans
to hold ourselves to a higher level of accountability and conduct,” Sokola said. “In the
coming weeks, the Senate Rules and Ethics Committee will fully review all of the
allegations leveled against Sen. Brown, and I will have no further comment on the
matter until that time.” To that, Councilman Jea Street, D-District 10, said, “Sen.
Sokola, cease and desist. Call the dogs off.”
“You have no business after 35 years with an ethics commission that has no rules
and regulations, no written procedures to take this on, and subject him to that while
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
he needs to be doing his due diligence as our senator.” If the Ethics Committee inves-
Black Wilmington pastors and activists are divided over whether a state senator tigation continues, Street said he would have no choice but to ask federal prosecutors
cleared of offensive touching and disorderly conduct charges should still face a Senate to “investigate these investigators” for defamation and malicious prosecution.
Ethics Committee inquiry. Several, including New Castle County Councilman Jea Efforts to reach Brown for comment were unsuccessful and Sokola declined to
Street, Delaware NAACP president Richard “Mouse” Smith and the Rev. Dr. comment as he indicated he would in his earlier statement.
Christopher T. Curry, pastor of Ezion Fair Baptist Church, say the investigation into The ethics inquiry into Brown will be the Senate’s first since 1986 when then-
State Sen. Darius Brown should be called off immediately and his committee Senate Minority Whip John Arnold, a Republican, attempted to push through a
positions should be restored. redistricting bill that would have allowed him to live outside his original district. The
Others, including local Black activists Dion Wilson and Don Farrell, say the inves- Ethics Committee found that Arnold had violated the state constitution and he
tigation should go on and that the inquiry into Brown’s alleged misdeeds is not a resigned from office.
“public lynching” as Curry said in a Jan. 9 press conference. Smith said Brown “has been ridiculed by the ugly face of the Delaware politicians.”
Brown was found not guilty on Jan. 6 on misdemeanor charges of offensive touching “Everybody else gets a break,” Smith said. “But Black folks get thrown underneath
and disorderly conduct. He stood accused of hitting a woman then throwing a the bus. We have never got a fair shake in this state. This state is like a plantation—a
martini glass at her during an argument at Taverna Rustic Italian Restaurant in May 21st-century plantation.”
of 2021. Following his acquittal, Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola said it click here to read more
remains clear that “Sen. Brown has been involved in multiple confrontations in
public spaces over the last year, regardless of whether that behavior rose to the level
of criminal conduct.”
6
HIGH SCHOOL
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, October 18, 2021
10:00am - 1:00pm
VIKING FOR A DAY
You are invited to feel the energy
of VKNation as a Viking for a Day.
Viking Visits begin October 4th.
HIGH SCHOOL
PLACEMENT TEST
November 13, 2021 8:30am
November 14 12:00pm
7
Culture photo by Air Mobility command museum 8
CULTURE
Surf fishing tags, annual park Kenny Family
ShopRites of Delaware
passes go on sale in February are proud to celebrate the
25th anniversary of sharing
our passion for food
with you and your family.
BY BETSY PRICE
The avidly sought Delaware State Parks surf fishing year the sales were delayed because of nationwide
permits and state park annual passes go on sale next supply chain disruptions. To buy online, go to www.de-
month. The surf fishing permits allow people who fish stateparks.com.
to drive on designated beaches and park there while If you want to buy permits or passes in person, you
fishing. They will be limited to 17,000 sold. should expect long wait times and must wear a mask
The state again this year will sell off-peak permits that inside the building. Park office locations are listed at
allow fishing only on weekdays from Memorial Day www.destateparks.com/FindPark. Neither permits or
through Labor Day, and then on any days during the passes are available at DNREC’s Dover office.
off-peak months. Annual passes allow people to pay one Annual passes costs $35. Delaware residents 62 and
fee to enter all state parks from March 1 through Nov. 30, older receive a discounted rate of $18. A $65 lifetime pass
when admission becomes free. This year, Delaware is available for Delawareans 65 and older. Reduced rates
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental are also offered to Delawareans who receive public
Control is recommending that people apply for both assistance, or who are active duty military or veterans.
online if possible. Active duty military personnel with an out-of-state license
The surf fishing permits will go on sale at 10 a.m. plate can purchase an annual pass at the in-state rate.
Tuesday, Feb. 1 and annual passes at 10 a.m. Tuesday,
click here to read more
Feb. 15. Both usually go on sale much earlier, but this
9
CULTURE
Planning
Council: If I-95 一漀 戀愀挀欀礀愀爀搀 最愀爀搀攀渀㼀
一漀 瀀爀漀戀氀攀洀⸀
is capped, what
should go 䬀攀渀渀礀 䘀愀洀椀氀礀 匀栀漀瀀刀椀琀攀猀
漀昀 䐀攀氀愀眀愀爀攀
BY KEN MAMMARELLA there? 欀渀漀眀猀 琀栀愀琀 攀瘀攀爀礀漀渀攀 眀椀渀猀 眀栀攀渀 眀攀
A regional planning agency is gathering public input The survey asks participants to describe themselves 攀愀琀 氀漀挀愀氀㨀 眀攀 最攀琀 昀爀攀猀栀Ⰰ 栀攀愀氀琀栀礀
on what to do if land is created over part of Interstate 95 and their relationship to the area, and it has three 昀漀漀搀 眀栀椀氀攀 猀椀洀甀氀琀愀渀攀漀甀猀氀礀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀椀渀最
in Wilmington during the Restore the Corridor project. open-ended questions: 氀漀挀愀氀 昀愀爀洀猀 ☀ 戀甀猀椀渀攀猀猀攀猀⸀
The Wilmington Area Planning Council is running an •D o you have any other ideas for amenities or improve-
online survey that ends Jan. 21. It follows two hearings ments in this area? 圀攀밂爀攀 瀀爀漀甀搀 琀漀 戀爀椀渀最 漀甀爀 挀甀猀琀漀洀攀爀猀
on capping acreage between the Delaware Avenue and • What do you envision when you think of the future 栀椀最栀ⴀ
栀椀最栀ⴀ焀甀愀氀椀琀礀Ⰰ 昀爀攀猀栀 瀀爀漀搀甀挀攀
Sixth Street bridges. of this area? 昀爀漀洀 漀甀爀 挀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀 瀀愀爀琀渀攀爀猀⸀
Capping involves constructing a roof over the subter- • What is your favorite place in Wilmington, or
ranean roadway and using the newly created space for elsewhere, that would be a good example of what
nice things. No price tag has yet been put on capping or this area could become?
the chosen amenities, which might not happen. Survey participants are also asked to rank lots of
Construction of I-95 in the 1960s “effectively created specific ideas, in several categories:
a wall” between the West Side and downtown, razing • Health and fitness: space for fitness class, exercise
several hundred homes, “primarily impacting commu- stations, running loops, bike skills, contemplative
nities of color,” according to the council. space, spaces to sunbathe, skateboard, dog play,
“To address this historic inequity created by I-95, sports court, multi-use lawn.
Wilmington is now joining an ever-growing number of • Community programs: Night program space, picnic
cities that are exploring ways to reconnect neighborhoods space, cafe, historic information, arts and sculpture,
and provide new public spaces by creating caps over urban murals, playground, interactive water feature, perfor-
highways. These new lands are being used to create mance venue, small group gathering, market space,
green spaces, plazas and cultural amenities that can concessions, multifunction space.
reconnect neighborhoods and encourage residents to
click here to read more
walk and bike more in the adjacent communities.”
10Business Photo by jasongoodman on splash.com 11
BUSINESS
Delaware animal groups
see surge of Betty White
challenge donations
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
On what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday, The #BettyWhiteChallenge quickly went viral. Donations
animal lovers from around the country donated tens of began to pour into animal rescue and shelter groups
thousands of dollars to three of Delaware’s largest animal around the country—and those in Delaware were no
rescue and shelter groups. exception.
After White died on Dec. 31, fans began encouraging Faithful Friends Animal Society in Wilmington
people to donate to rescue and shelter agencies in honor of originally set a goal of $5,000, but by 10 a.m. on the day
the actress’s long-time support for animal welfare causes. the fundraising effort began, the group saw so much
White was an avowed animal lover. She was an advocate support that they quickly realized they’d have to raise
and major donor to Guide Dogs for the Blind, a board their goal to $10,000. By the end of the challenge, Faithful
member for the Los Angeles Zoo, and a recipient of Friends raised more than $31,000—and because the
American Humane’s highest honor, the National group had an ongoing fundraising match challenge, total
Humanitarian Medal and the Legacy Award. donations will actually amount to more than $62,000.
click here to read more
12BUSINESS
M&T, WSFS, PNC
reducing, easing
overdraft fees
“We are reducing the insufficient funds and overdraft
fees from $38.50 to $36.00 for each occurrence.” The
changes are effective Jan. 20.
“Please disregard prior information about overdraft
charges you may have recently received with your
DON’t WAIT.
savings/money market and/or checking account
BY KEN MAMMARELLA
statements,” the bank’s announcement continued. “We
Delaware’s three biggest banks are changing their apologize for any confusion this may have caused. We
drive.
rules on overdraft fees. M&T Bank this month is joining recommend reviewing your individual terms and
a nationwide movement to reduce or eliminate over- conditions to see what fees apply to your account(s).”
draft fees. WSFS Bank in December eased its overdraft Repeated efforts were unsuccessful to to reach M&T
rules. PNC Bank last year expanded its app to give for comment about the announcement.
customers a new way to avoid overdraft fees.
Overdrafts are a huge issue numerically, with PNC WSFS Bank don’t keep your future on hold.
citing studies that estimate overdrafts cost U.S. WSFS recently issued a policy update that covers three put it in drive.
consumers $17 billion a year. PNC said its new Low scenarios:
Del Tech has over 100 programs, like
Cash Mode system helps customers avoid $125 million • “In the event your account is overdrawn (or close to Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training,
to $150 million in overdraft fees annually. overdrawn), any purchases you make that are $10 or leading to in-demand careers. With our
flexible, affordable tuition, there’s never been
Overdrafts are also a huge issue politically, with federal less will not result in an overdraft fee. a better time to make your next move.
banking regulators increasing pressure and advocates • “You will no longer be charged an overdraft fee if a
Start a conversation with an academic
pointing out the fees disproportionately affect lower- purchase exceeding $10 does not overdraw your advisor today.
income consumers. account by $50 or more. This negative $50 overdraft
balance is an increase from the previous negative Visit dtcc.edu.
M&T Bank overdraft balance of $5.
“We are eliminating the savings and money market
click here to read more
overdraft transfer fee of $12.50 and the extended over-
draft fee of $38.50,” M&T said in an email to customers.
13photo by Chevanon Photography from Pexels
food & dining
14FOOD & DINING
3 courses for $30: Newark
Restaurant Week returns
BY PAM GEORGE
Development in downtown Newark has turned the To make the week memorable, restaurants will feature
college town into a dining destination, and you can dishes that aren’t on their regular menus. “The chefs are
witness that firsthand during the 2022 Newark going to go all out for this,” Aber said.
Restaurant Week, which runs Jan. 20-26. Participating Klondike Kate’s Restaurant & Saloon, for instance,
establishments will offer three-course dinners for $30. will dish up chorizo meatballs Fra Diavolo over
The event has been a much-loved winter promotion spaghetti. “We love restaurant week because it gives our
since 2006 when former Newark Mayor Vance Funk chef and kitchen a chance to get creative,” said owner
created it. Gianmarco Martuscelli.
When the Downtown Newark Partnership disbanded But the innovative cuisine must also be affordable. In
in 2018 and the newly formed Newark Partnership did the past, there were varying prices depending on the
not have the event on the calendar, Sasha Aber, owner restaurant size, concept and time of day.
of Home Grown Cafe, stepped up to organize it.
click here to read more
15government Photo by mary elizabeth phillips 16
GOVERNMENT
As revenues rise, Republicans
say taxpayers should get
some money back
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
Republicans in the House of Representatives have While tax cuts and rebates can’t be directly funded by
introduced six new bills to return surplus state revenue the American Rescue Plan Act, Republicans say the
to Delawareans. With a windfall of cash from federal state’s rosy economic forecast means there is room for
stimulus bills and the bipartisan infrastructure bill, adjustment elsewhere.
Republican lawmakers say there’s no better time to give Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, called it “an embar-
Delawareans some needed relief. rassment” that the state government failed to enact tax
The nonpartisan Delaware Economic and Financial cuts last year. “After the bills are paid, and appropriate
Advisory Council, or DEFAC, has twice increased the reserves are set aside, I believe government has a duty to
state’s revenue projections for both fiscal years 2022 and return money to the people from whom it was taken,”
2023 since the 2022 fiscal year began. The council now Collins said. “That was an obligation the legislature
says the state will collect around $820 million more failed to honor last year.”
than previously expected.
In response, Republicans have filed six bills aimed at Income & gross receipts tax cuts
slashing Delaware’s income tax, gross receipts tax and House Bill 191, sponsored by Collins, would make a
corporate tax; decreasing the real estate transfer tax; 10% across-the-board cut to the state’s personal income
adjusting taxes with cost-of-living increases and giving tax rates, reduce the corporate income tax by nearly
Delaware’s lowest income earners a tax credit. 30% and slash the gross receipts tax by 50%.
click here to read more
17GOVERNMENT
Clean water committee seeks
ideas on how to spend money
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
Six months after being signed into law, DNREC offi- The trust’s goals include:
cials have shared their plans to solicit public input on • Improving flood resiliency and drainage in our most
priorities for the Delaware Clean Water Trust Oversight flood-prone communities
Committee. The agency will host three virtual public • Repairing failing sewer pipes and septic systems
information sessions to hear from Delaware residents • Improving drinking water quality and expanding
and businesses about how the trust should support water access to safe drinking water
quality improvements. •R emoving decades-old pollution from our waterways
House Bill 200, or the Clean Water for Delaware Act, • Increasing conservation funding for Delaware’s
was signed by Gov. John Carney in July 2021. The law agriculture community
creates a framework and funding source which lawmakers • Issuing low-interest loans and grants for low-income
have said will improve the quality of Delaware’s water and underserved communities
supply and waterways. The fund includes $50 million Tasked with implementing the law’s wide-ranging list
in state funds allocated by the bond bill with an addi- of imperatives is a seven-member committee composed
tional $30 million said to be coming from federal grants. of the secretaries of the Departments of Natural Re-
The $50 million originally outlined in Carney’s FY sources and Environmental Control, Health and Social
2022 budget included $22.5 million for safe drinking Services, Finance, Agriculture and Transportation, as
water, $22.5 million for water pollution control and $5 well as the two co-chairs of the General Assembly’s
million for resource conservation and development. bond bill committee.
click here to read more
18GOVERNMENT
Wilmington Rep.
Gerald Brady
announces
resignation
with post-traumatic stress disorder,” Brady said. “The
grim reality of this condition for those of us who live
with it is long periods of silent suffering, which can be
punctuated by episodes or conduct that may make little
sense to people who do not understand the nature of
PTSD.”
He took the opportunity to implore people to “look after
their loved ones and identify warning signs of PTSD
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
and mental health issues,” adding, “Early detection and
Democratic State Rep. Gerald Brady, a Democrat, will intervention is critical.”
resign from office in early February. He said in a press Brady’s resignation will be effective Feb. 4, 2022.
release that he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-
stress disorder stemming from his service in the Delaware Rehoboth, said in a statement following Brady’s
Army National Guard and must take time to “address announcement that a special election for the seat will
these issues directly.” need to be held to fill the vacancy.
“I do so with deep regret and sadness, but I remain “I’ve known Gerald Brady for a long time and have
grateful for the nearly 16 years of service I was privileged been proud to serve alongside him in the House these past
to render on behalf of my neighbors and my community,” 16 years,” Schwartzkopf said. “Gerald has been a kind
Brady said. and empathetic representative who knows the residents
He said in the release that as a result of his deployment, of his district. I have always been impressed by how well
he lost the majority of his hearing and struggles with he knows their stories, their families and their challenges.”
the challenges it presents daily. Schwartzkopf said Brady has a “personal touch” that
“Just like many thousands of my fellow veterans return- has made him a “good, responsive elected official for so
ing home with wartime injuries, I have been diagnosed many years.”
click here to read more
19GOVERNMENT
the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, which through
state grants and awards has contributed to the creation
of more than 20,000 jobs. That includes fin-tech startup
Investor Cash Management, which announced last month
that it would move its headquarters from Chicago to
Downtown Wilmington.
Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean
View, said that as a small business owner, things don’t
look so optimistic. Hocker said his grocery stores, G&E
Hocker’s and Hocker’s Super Center, continue to
struggle to find workers and the governor’s speech failed
Carney ready to spend money to offer any solutions to get people back to work.
in 2022; GOP wants tax relief click here to read more
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
The state of the state is strong, said Gov. John Carney said Senate Minority Whip Brian Pettyjohn, R-George-
during his annual address before a joint session of the town. “But as we’re seeing prices rise at the grocery
General Assembly Thursday. Much of Carney’s speech stores and at the gas pumps right now, for people that
focused on the fallout of COVID-19, including its have been working every single day 40, 50, 60 hours a
impact on the state’s economy and the work that still week, whether they’re working overtime or working in
needs to be done to confront new variants and surges. their own businesses…because they can’t find workers
He cited the need to support continued workforce out there—we need to be giving them help as well.”
development and early childhood education, and to At least one moment provided unexpected humor.
restore the economy with an emphasis on equity. “In terms of national and international attention, it
Republican leaders in the House and Senate responded certainly doesn’t help to be the home of the president of
that more should be done to help Delawareans who have the United States,” Carney said. “It really doesn’t.”
suffered financially as a result of the pandemic. According to the pre-released copy of the speech,
“We are giving tax breaks for individuals that have Carney intended to say “it doesn’t hurt.”
been receiving unemployment, which is great for them,” Carney also cited his administration’s advocacy for
20GOVERNMENT
I’M HERE
Medical aid in dying bill narrowly to care for
your growing
advances to House floor family.
BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON
A bill to allow mentally competent adult patients with Medical aid in dying is legal in 10 states and one
terminal illnesses to request a prescription for life-ending territory, including Oregon, Washington, Montana,
medications was narrowly released from the House Vermont, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey,
Health and Human Development Committee Tuesday. Maine, New Mexico and the District of Columbia.
The practice is often referred to by supporters as “right Terri Hancharick, chairperson for the State Council
to die” or “death with dignity” and by opponents as for Persons with Disabilities, said during the press
I’M KANDIS SAMUELS-
“physician-assisted suicide.” “Medical aid in dying” is a conference that end-of-life options should focus on LEUTZINGER, MD, MPH
neutral term to describe the practice. supporting people where they are, rather than giving Caring for families has always been my
House Bill 140’s sponsor, Rep. Paul Baumbach, them the option of dying. passion. In addition to treating patients of
D-Newark, said that at the bill’s core, it aims to do one “Give them the option of living. Give them the option all ages, my expertise in OB-GYN, prenatal
thing: provide “one additional end of life option for of support. Help them to live their best lives,” Hancharick care and deliveries means I can provide all
mentally capable adults with a terminal disease with a said. “Instead of institutionalizing death for the disability the care needed for mothers and the youngest
wall of protections to ensure that it is only available for community, Delaware legislators should focus on ensuring ones in your family. I’m here to bring better
mentally capable adults with a terminal disease.” that everyone has the care and resources that they need.” health for you and your loved ones.
Opponents argued during a press conference Tuesday But Dr. Christopher Riddle, professor of philosophy
and during the committee meeting’s public comment and director of the Applied Ethics Institute at Utica CLICK HERE to learn more.
portion Wednesday that aid in dying legislation violates College, argued that supporting a terminal patient’s
the Hippocratic oath to do no harm, devalues the sancti- right to live and offering them the option to end their
ty of life and deprioritizes investment in life-sustaining suffering are not mutually exclusive. OB-GYN &
treatment for terminal patients. Some referred to the FAMILY MEDICINE
click here to read more 1-866-BAY-DOCS
practice as euthanasia.
21GOVERNMENT GOP bill to change civics curriculum stalls in committee BY CHARLIE MEGGINSON A Republican-backed measure that would require particular topic because I think it’s important to the Delaware schools to teach that communism and totali- survival of our nation as a democracy.” tarianism conflict with freedom and democracy was But Sen. Dave Sokola, D-Newark, and Secretary of shot down by the Senate Education Committee Tuesday. Education Mark Holodick say that comparative political Senate Bill 206, sponsored by Sen. Bryant Richardson, ideology is already a component of the state’s required R-Seaford, would have required school districts and social studies curriculum. “I just feel that these are all charter schools to provide instruction in comparative things that are already in the curriculum,” Sokola said. political ideology for students in tenth grade. “I have no opposition to them because they’re already The bill specifically requires instruction to “include a there.” comparative discussion of political ideologies, including Sokola noted some key differences between what the communism and totalitarianism, which conflict with bill would require and what currently exists within the the principles of freedom and democracy essential to curriculum. “There’s a couple of differences,” he said. “It the founding principles of the United States.” says…that a school district shall provide the instruction Having not been released from committee, the bill is in comparative political ideology in grade 10. We actually unlikely to ever be heard by the whole Senate—let alone have that standard in grade 9 and it can continue on 9 become law. Richardson told the committee that he through 12.” thinks “there needs to be more emphasis put on this click here to read more 22
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
education
23EDUCATION UD, DSU, DelTech to split $107 million of American Rescue money BY BETSY PRICE Three Delaware colleges and universities will split $2.5 million to improve existing facilities to meet $107 million in American Rescue Plan Act money, the pandemic operational needs. state announced Jan 19. Of that, the University of Dela- DelTech will spend $15 million for the Allied Health ware will get $41 million; Delaware State University will Center of Excellence, which will be located at the George get $33 million and Delaware Technical Community Campus in Wilmington, expanding opportunities for College will get $33 million. respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians UD plans to use the $41 million to help build a state- and the surgical technology program; $6.5 million to of-the-art facility for education and research in under- build a Childcare Center on the Stanton campus to serve standing, treatment and prevention of diseases in Newark. infants to school-age children; for $1.5 million for a DSU plans to use its $33 million on a variety of projects: culinary workforce development grant. $7 million to establish a comprehensive clinical facility The Federal American Rescue Plan passed in March to combat health disparities, housed at the DSU Center is designed to help the country rebound from the for Health Disparities’ Molecular Diagnostics Labora- COVID-19 pandemic. Delaware will receive $925 million tory in Dover; $10.6 million for the new DSU Early Care from it, and its plans to spend it are details at www.e.gov/ and Innovation Center, first announced in November; rescueplan. $7.4 million for technology upgrades in classrooms; and click here to read more 24
25
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health
26HEALTH
New COVID-19 cases,
hospitalizations seem to
plateau in Delaware
BY BETSY PRICE
New COVID-19 cases in Delaware seem to have plateaued and maybe even dropped
a bit, Gov. John Carney said during a Jan. 18 press conference. In recent weeks, new
cases often were in the upper 2,000s or into the 3,000s. As of Jan.17, the state was
seeing 2,514.9 new cases per day over a seven-day average, a drop from most days last
week. The percent of positive tests also has dropped slightly to 28.8% of the total tested,
down from 30.1 and higher two weeks ago. The state also has 683 hospitalized with
71 in critical condition. On Jan. 14, the number of hospitalized was 729.
“The hospitalization number (is) down from 759 on Jan. 12,” Carney said. “That’s Booster shots help by increasing immunity. Moderna says that its booster shots
positive news. We don’t want to prejudge anything for the long term with just a couple increase antibodies against COVID 37 times and Pfizer said theirs increase
days data points. Coincidentally, it’s the same day, Jan. 12, as our peak last year, which antibodies 25 times. Some national studies say the protection of a booster shot falls
was Jan. 12. We’ll see whether that holds true. but we’re hopeful. Obviously we’ve also rapidly in the months after receiving it.
seen a leveling off in new positive cases and, importantly, a slight reduction in the Rattay pointed to Israeli studies published in the Journal of the American Medical
percent positive.” Association that said people who are fully vaccinated with two Moderna or Pfizer
“We are pleased to see that our case and hospital rates are not increasing as at the shots, or one Johnson & Johnson have a 90% to 95% protection against serious illness
same rates that we had been seen in the previous few weeks,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, or death, while those with boosters have closer to 99% to 100% protection against it.
director of the Division of Public Health. “However, our case rates and our hospital Omicron can beat the vaccines partly because it keeps mutating and the antibodies
rates remain extremely high. And so, this is definitely not the time to let our guard down don’t recognize it, she said.
with Omicron and also there is more we need to do in preparation for future variants.” “The current COVID vaccines target the spike protein on the COVID virus, and
Rattay said that random genetic testing of some positive cases showed that the the Omicron variant has many mutations on the spike protein which helps it evade
Omicron variant is responsible for 93% of the positive cases. She also encouraged antibodies which are generated from both prior infection or the two-dose vaccination,”
booster shots saying they prevent infection, serious illness and hospitalization. Only 30% Rattay said. “So with Delta, the antibodies from the vaccine or from prior infection
of the Delawareans who were eligible for them had gotten them, she said. Of those offered more protection against the infection. We’re seeing that’s less the case for
who are fully vaccinated and end up in the hospital, 91.4% have not had booster people fully vaccinated or who’ve had prior infection as it relates to preventing
shots, she said. Omicron infection.”
click here to read more
27HEALTH
Increasing numbers of vaccinated
Delawareans are getting COVID
BY BETSY PRICE
The numbers of people who are fully vaccinated and medical director of the Division of Public Health, in an
still contract COVID-19 and who end up in the hospital email. In between Aug. 20 and Friday, the numbers for
have both been rising in Delaware. Last week, about half both new cases and hospitalizations involving the
of new cases were people who were fully vaccinated, and unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated generally stayed in
about 40% of new hospitalizations were people who had the 70-plus range.
been vaccinated. “We are seeing a higher percent of people hospitalized
On Friday in its weekly COVID-19 wrap up report, who are fully vaccinated,” Hong said. “However, individ-
the Delaware Division of Public Health said that of the uals who have received a booster appear to be well
22,271 new COVID-19 cases reported from Jan. 3 to protected against hospitalization. This is consistent with
Jan. 9, 53% were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. what recent studies have demonstrated with Omicron,
On Aug. 20, the state said that of the 1,828 reported that which is our predominant variant in Delaware now.”
week, 79% were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Asked whether the rising number of cases in people
On Friday, the state said that of the 405 people hospi- who are vaccinated reflects waning immunity in vaccines
talized during the week, 60 percent were unvaccinated or boosters, Hong pointed to a Centers of Disease
or partially vaccinated. In August, when 106 people were Control report that said while COVID-19 vaccines
hospitalized, 86% of those unvaccinated or partially remain effective in preventing severe disease, their
vaccinated. effectiveness at preventing infection wanes over time,
The state defines fully vaccinated as completing the specially in people ages 65 years and older.
initial two-dose series of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna Some national reports say that the booster shots can lose
or Pfizer) or single-dose of Johnson & Johnson, said a lot of power after 10 to 12 weeks. “The recent emer-
Jennifer Brestel, spokeswoman for the Division of Pub- gence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the
lic Health. “You are still fully vaccinated after complet- importance of vaccination, boosters and prevention
ing the initial series, and ‘up to date’ after completing efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,” Hong said.
recommended boosters/additional doses as eligible,”
she said. click here to read more
Of those who are fully vaccinated and hospitalized,
92% have not had booster shots, said Dr. Rick Hong,
28sports
Photo by nick halliday
29SPORTS
Appo upsets cross town rival
Middletown
The Cavs were resilient in the third quarter, but baskets to give Appo a 55-45 advantage with just :44 to go.
everytime they got close, the Jags had a response. Amir The Jaguars converted 10 of 13 free throws while the
Cunningham scored two in the paint to cut the Appo Cavs were just 4-of-14 from the line.
lead to four points, but the Jags answered with a Vaughn Appo improves to 7-2 (4-1 Flight A) while Middletown
three-point jumper to push the lead back to seven at the falls to 6-4 (1-1 Flight A). The Jags lead the all-time
6:20 mark. Middletown sliced the lead to two on a series 15-8 and have a 9-2 advantage since the 2016-17
basket by Evan Sparks at 29-27 midway through the season.
quarter, but one of the Cavs’ top scorers (Jaden Rogers) Middletown was paced by Hynson with 16 points while
picked up his fourth personal foul and had to sit out till Rogers and Simms added nine each. Appo received a
the final quarter. A basket by Christian Barksdale and game-high 21 points from Vaughn Jr, with Barksdale
two free throws by Laneir Harvey pushed the Jags lead chipping in with 13 and Bell scored 10.
to 33-27 with 1:39 to go in the third. On the next trip
down the floor, Middletown’s Christion Simms nailed a
“three” to make the score 33-30 with 8:00 to play.
BY GLENN FRAZER
The game was tied early in the fourth quarter as
The eighth-ranked Appoquinimink Jaguars led from Simms made another long range jumper, and after Appo
start to finish in a 57-47 win over district rival and third- pushed the lead back to four at 37-33, Simms dialed up
ranked Middletown Tuesday night in boys’ basketball. his third make beyond the arc in less than three
The Cavaliers have now lost two straight since a six-game minutes and it was a one point game at 37-36 with 6:00
winning streak was snapped last week by St. Joe’s Prep. left.
Appo used an 8-0 run in the first quarter to go up The Jags scored the next six points on a three-point
11-2 and put together a 6-0 run midway through the shot by Barksdale, and baskets by Eric Mathenge and
second quarter for a 20-7 advantage with 3:50 left in the Haji Bell at the 4:00 mark, then the Cav’s Rogers came
half. Tommy Vaughn Jr. scored eight points in the two alive with two three-pointers to give his team a chance,
Appo runs and led everyone with 21 for the game. trailing just 46-42 with 3:00 left. It was still a four-point
The Cavaliers mustered a run of their own, closing Appo lead with 2:00 left after Jaiden McGhee put back
the gap to 22-16 at the half paced by Tyrone Hynson a missed free throw, but the Jags responded going on a
who finished the game with 16 points. 7-1 run as Harvey, Vaughn and Efetobore Efekodo made
30SPORTS
Sanford upsets No. 1 Howard with
stellar defense
BY PATRICK GARYANTES
Sanford earned, perhaps, its first of many signature game over. However, foul trouble would start to catch
victories under new head coach Tyrone Perry on Tues- the Wildcats at the toughest of times.
day evening when it defeated No. 1 Howard 37-29. The Sophomore guard Jameer DeShields would pick up
Warriors ‘defended’ their home court quite literally his fourth personal foul with 5:30 left in the third
because of their defense, which was suffocating quarter. At the time of the foul, he had eight of
throughout the entire game. Howard’s 24 points and was a nice complement to
The game was set up to be a defensive matchup, as senior guard De’Mere Hollingsworth offensively, as the
both teams came into the game with a reputation for Wildcats would briefly extend the lead to 26-18 shortly
making offenses uneasy. However, top-ranked Howard’s after he exited. He would sit until about midway through
offense came into the game averaging just a shade the fourth quarter.
under 69 points per game through its first nine to a The lack of a second scorer would hurt Howard, as it
record of 7-2. So, the balance had been there for the would only score five points in the game’s final 13:30.
Wildcats, whose only two losses came to a nationally Shortly after the fourth foul was picked up by DeShields,
ranked Neumann-Goretti team in overtime, and most Sanford would finally hit from the perimeter, as
recently to Elizabeth High School in New Jersey. Howard dropped into a 2-3 zone defense. Two three-
No. 6 Sanford came into Tuesday’s contest only allow- pointers by Porter Kelly and one from Sean Forrest
ing 47 points per game in its six games this season, would erase an eight-point Howard lead and tie the
earning a 5-1 record. The key in this one for Sanford score at 27 with 90 seconds left in the quarter. The
was going to be slowing the pace down and limiting its Warriors would add a free throw to take a one-point
turnovers to prevent Howard from getting easy baskets lead into the final frame.
in transition.
click here to read more
Sanford jumped out to an early 14-6 lead midway
through the second quarter, before Howard would hit a
few outside shots to close the half on a 13-2 run holding
a 19-16 lead at the break. It seemed as though Howard
might have settled in, and perhaps was ready to take the
31SPORTS
Cancer isn’t waiting
for COVID-19 to be over.
One in three Delawareans will get cancer.
Unfortunately, many have put off their cancer
screenings in the past year. Screenings detect
cancer early, when it’s most treatable. If
you’ve skipped or canceled a screening due
to the pandemic — for breast, cervical, colon,
lung, or prostate cancer — don’t wait one
more day. Call your health care provider to
schedule your cancer screenings today.
If you don’t have a provider, we can help.
If you are uninsured or underinsured,
you may be eligible for free screenings.
To learn more about eligibility requirements
and recommended cancer screenings,
and other information, please visit
HealthyDelaware.org/Cancer.
To schedule your cancer screening by phone:
Call your health care provider, dial 2-1-1,
or speak directly with a nurse navigator at
the health system nearest you, below.
ChristianaCare: 302-216-3557
Bayhealth: 302-216-8328
Beebe Healthcare: 302-291-4380
BY JASON WINCHELL
click for week 5 boys & girls H.S. basketball
32Stay connected
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